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It’s a question many travelers are too embarrassed to ask, but it’s crucial: “If I take a 4-hour train from Rome to Florence, is there a bathroom on board?”
The short answer is: Yes.
Unlike subways or city buses, almost every long-distance and regional train in Europe is equipped with toilets. However, the quality of those toilets can vary wildly depending on the country and the type of train.
Here is the honest truth about using the restroom on European rails.
Where to Find Them?
You don’t need to hunt. Toilets are usually located at the end of every carriage (or every second carriage). Look for the “WC” sign or a generic restroom icon near the doors.
- On High-Speed Trains (TGV, ICE, Eurostar): They are modern, spacious, and usually wheelchair accessible.
- On Regional Trains: They might be a bit older and smaller, but they are there.
Are They Clean?
It depends.
- The Good: On premium trains like the Eurostar, Deutsche Bahn ICE, or Swiss SBB, the toilets are generally very clean. They function like airplane bathrooms—vacuum flush, running water, soap, and paper towels.
- The Bad: On older regional trains in Southern or Eastern Europe, cleanliness can be “hit or miss.” You might encounter a wet floor or a lack of toilet paper.
Pro Tip: Always carry a small pack of tissues and a mini hand sanitizer (on Amazon) in your day bag. You will thank yourself later.
The Golden Rule: Train vs. Station
This is the most important tip in this article.
- Station Toilets: Usually cost money. In major stations like London Euston, Berlin Hbf, or Venice Santa Lucia, you often have to pay €0.50 to €1.00 to enter the restroom (turnstiles).
- Train Toilets: Are 100% FREE.
Strategy: If you are waiting at the station and need to go, try to wait until you board the train. Use the train toilet immediately after departure to save your coins for a gelato. Conversely, use the train toilet 15 minutes before you arrive at your destination so you don’t have to hunt for one (and pay) at the arrival station.
The “Gravity” Toilet Warning
On some very old trains (vintage regional lines), you might encounter a toilet that simply opens a flap directly onto the tracks below.
Rule: Do not use these toilets while the train is stopped at a station. It is considered very rude (and unsanitary) to leave a “mess” on the tracks right in front of people waiting on the platform.
How to Lock the Door (Don’t Panic)
Modern European train toilets often have futuristic curved doors with buttons instead of manual locks.
- Enter and close the door (press the button with the arrow ><).
- Lock it: You must press the locking button (often turns RED or a light comes on).
- Check: Give the door a gentle push to make sure it’s actually locked.
Summary
Don’t stress about hydration. You can drink that bottle of water or wine. There is a bathroom waiting for you, and it’s free. Just bring some sanitizer
